Improvement in metal fence-posts



H. L. GOOKLEY. Metal Fence-Post.

No. 199,971. Patented Feb. 5.,1s?s.

N PETERS. PNOTO-UYMOGRAPHER. WASHINGTON. D c.

UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE.

HENRY L. G OGKLEY, OF JOLIET, ILLINOIS.

IMPROVEMENT IN METAL FENCE-POSTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 199,971, dated February 5, 1878; application filed November 6, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY L. GocKLEY, of the city of Joliet, in Will county and State of Illinois, have invented certain Improvements in Metal Fence-Posts, reference being had to the annexed drawing, making a part of this specification, in which the figure is a per spective view.

The nature of the invention is to furnish a cheap, durable metal post for fences, particularly for a wire fence or barbed-wire fence, to take the place of wooden posts, which decay in a very short period.

In the drawing, A represents a tapered slat or strip of metal spirally twisted its entire length, and having notches 0 along one side, at convenient intervals, to receive the wires of the fence, or attach wooden slats or boards, if

desired.

This post is intended to be driven in the earth at the place desired, obviating the necessity of making any hole to receive it. As it is driven in the earth it turns so as to screw into the soil, which in a great measure prevents the frost from heaving it out. The two main objects to be gained, however, by the use of a post constructed in this manner are, that it has greater strength its entire length, by being twisted its entire length, than the same amoimt of metal would have in any other form, and also its form causes it to present a flat surface to the earth in all directions, so as to give it great purchase and steadiness in the ground. Its tapered form, being widest and largest at the bottom, gives it greater adherence to the earth, in not being so easily eX- tracted therefrom, and also gives it a lighter appearance to the eye, while it is seen more readily by stock.

The post is intended to be made of metal, and can be made nearly as cheap as wooden posts can be obtained.

I am aware of posts being made to screw in the earth, the mere idea of which I do not claim; but I am not aware of a spiral tapered metal post, to be driven in the earth at its large end, having ever been in use or known.

This post is as durable as it is possible to be for the amount of metal used, and is intended more particularly to carry barbed wires, for which so great a demand has grown up of late.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is as follows:

The postA, spirallytwisted its entire length, arranged to be driven in the earth at its largest end, and provided with notches c, to receive the wires of the fence, all constructed and operating as and for the purposes set forth.

HENRY L. GOOKLEY.-

Witnesses Tnos. H. HUTGHINS, E. NIVER. 

